FB: Liberty League

[Bombers798891]

I know every think's Joey G is the second coming...as RPI showed last year, even Joey G melts under heavy, physical pressure.

Whatever questions we might have about how the LL shakes out and how good Ithaca is, I wouldn't call Germinerio one of them. Yes, RPI played a great game against him last year, but the guy is the 2-time East Region OPOY, and this year he's averaging 337 total yards per game, with 17 total touchdowns and 3 INTs.

They're putting up 450 yards a game and... allowing 420, against pretty average competition

This, on the other hand, is something I was thinking about the other day. In 2005, IC had an incredibly loaded offense, but early on, there were some warning signs about their defense that kind of, sort of, remind me of what we're seeing this year.

Week 1 against Buff State: Lead 38-7, but allow two long, late TD drives and win 38-21. Allow 393 yards of offense
Week 2 against Hartwick: Lead 38-7, but then get outscored 34-21 the rest of the way to win 59-41. Allow 490 yards of offense
Week 3 against Fisher: Win 41-35 in OT, but allow 488 yards of offense.

We told ourselves it didn't matter. After all, a lot of the Buff State and Hartwick yards came after the game was well in hand. And Fisher was pretty good offensively. The Bombers had been so good defensively the year before, we just figured they'd straighten it out.

Well, they didn't. They allowed 33 points (27 in regulation) in an OT loss to a Lycoming team that scored more than 17 just one other time all season. They gave up 28 (21 in regulation) to Cortland (The Dragons also scored on an INT and PAT return) and lost. It all culminated, as you know, with Union just obliterating them in the playoffs to the tune of 55 points and 660 yards. The Bombers went 8-3, despite averaging 38.4 PPG and 444 YPG, and just once scoring less than 30 points in regulation.

I'm not saying that's what's going to happen this year. But, Fisher barely moving the ball a week after getting 580 yards and 35 points against IC is pretty disconcerting as we head into the tougher part of the schedule.

[Bombers798891]

Rookie of the Week: Nicholas Bahamonde, Ithaca

Frosh Bahamonde has a rocket leg and a golden toe for the Bombers.

IC has had some pretty good kickers over the years, but this is the first guy who I think you'd say has a chance to be a Franks-type player. Even with the fact that kickoffs are moved up 5 yards from where they used to be, for Bahamonde to have 16 touchbacks on his 31 kickoffs is pretty astounding. And he's 5-for-5 on FG attempts, with makes from 43 and 47 (both of which had some room on them at the end). He's going to be a difference maker.

[Bartman]

Bombers,
     Thank you for giving the rest of the LL hope with this historical perspective. When Ithaca accepted Joe G as a transfer, I immediately made them the favorite .It could be a special season for Ithaca, but the defense could be an Achilles heel. I do think RPI, Union and Hobart have solid defenses that might slow Joe & Co down, the question is which one has the best offense to outscore The Bombers. All 3 shots at IC will be fun to watch.

[Bartman]

Can Mach come out and play? It will be boring to have no one to discuss the Statesmen-Engineers match-up  this week 

[Bombers798891]

Can Mach come out and play? It will be boring to have no one to discuss the Statesmen-Engineers match-up  this week 

I'll jump in.

I'm super concerned about Hobart's offense. As I said elsewhere, good for them for cashing in on short fields vs. Brockport. Do what you need to do.

But Hoffman is completing less than 45% of his passes, which is unfathomable in 2019 unless you're a triple option team that treats throwing like other teams might treat a trick play. They have the fewest first downs in the conference, and the 2nd worst 3rd-down conversion percentage.

The flip side is, their defense is very strong. Opponents are just 5-for-18 on RZ TDs, and they have 10 picks in just five games. I think it will be close, but I'll take RPI in a 17-14 thriller

[Jonny Utah]

Watching the IthacA games I did not see anything which worries me that much of defense, except for a lack of a pash rush in the second half of SJF, and playing too aggressive in situations and a time (RPO era) where teams can see your cards and then run a play to counter it. SJF seemed to do that with two big screens, and two deep passes where there was no safety help.  SJF obviously made some nice halftime adjustments, but their QB had some perfect plays as well.

Also, Ithaca is a no huddle tempo offense and that give opponents more offensive plays during the game.  So yards per game isn't a great stat to evaluate Ithaca's defense.

I think they have some weaknesses.  Coaching aggressively, some pass rush issues, one on one DB coverages are some areas that Ithaca's defense can be exposed.

[unionpalooza]

I know every think's Joey G is the second coming...as RPI showed last year, even Joey G melts under heavy, physical pressure.

Whatever questions we might have about how the LL shakes out and how good Ithaca is, I wouldn't call Germinerio one of them. Yes, RPI played a great game against him last year, but the guy is the 2-time East Region OPOY, and this year he's averaging 337 total yards per game, with 17 total touchdowns and 3 INTs.

They're putting up 450 yards a game and... allowing 420, against pretty average competition

This, on the other hand, is something I was thinking about the other day. In 2005, IC had an incredibly loaded offense, but early on, there were some warning signs about their defense that kind of, sort of, remind me of what we're seeing this year.

Week 1 against Buff State: Lead 38-7, but allow two long, late TD drives and win 38-21. Allow 393 yards of offense
Week 2 against Hartwick: Lead 38-7, but then get outscored 34-21 the rest of the way to win 59-41. Allow 490 yards of offense
Week 3 against Fisher: Win 41-35 in OT, but allow 488 yards of offense.

We told ourselves it didn't matter. After all, a lot of the Buff State and Hartwick yards came after the game was well in hand. And Fisher was pretty good offensively. The Bombers had been so good defensively the year before, we just figured they'd straighten it out.

Well, they didn't. They allowed 33 points (27 in regulation) in an OT loss to a Lycoming team that scored more than 17 just one other time all season. They gave up 28 (21 in regulation) to Cortland (The Dragons also scored on an INT and PAT return) and lost. It all culminated, as you know, with Union just obliterating them in the playoffs to the tune of 55 points and 660 yards. The Bombers went 8-3, despite averaging 38.4 PPG and 444 YPG, and just once scoring less than 30 points in regulation.

I'm not saying that's what's going to happen this year. But, Fisher barely moving the ball a week after getting 580 yards and 35 points against IC is pretty disconcerting as we head into the tougher part of the schedule.

100% agree there is no question Germinerio is insanely talented. Just meant that even with the best guys, you can only be as good as the team around you.

And ah, the 2005 Union-IC playoff game.  That's a fond memory. Though, in fairness, I seem to recall the Union defense getting almost as obliterated by Felicetti and Co., and only pulling away late thanks to Tom Arcidiacono basically levitating across the field. 

[Jonny Utah]

I know every think's Joey G is the second coming...as RPI showed last year, even Joey G melts under heavy, physical pressure.

Whatever questions we might have about how the LL shakes out and how good Ithaca is, I wouldn't call Germinerio one of them. Yes, RPI played a great game against him last year, but the guy is the 2-time East Region OPOY, and this year he's averaging 337 total yards per game, with 17 total touchdowns and 3 INTs.

They're putting up 450 yards a game and... allowing 420, against pretty average competition

This, on the other hand, is something I was thinking about the other day. In 2005, IC had an incredibly loaded offense, but early on, there were some warning signs about their defense that kind of, sort of, remind me of what we're seeing this year.

Week 1 against Buff State: Lead 38-7, but allow two long, late TD drives and win 38-21. Allow 393 yards of offense
Week 2 against Hartwick: Lead 38-7, but then get outscored 34-21 the rest of the way to win 59-41. Allow 490 yards of offense
Week 3 against Fisher: Win 41-35 in OT, but allow 488 yards of offense.

We told ourselves it didn't matter. After all, a lot of the Buff State and Hartwick yards came after the game was well in hand. And Fisher was pretty good offensively. The Bombers had been so good defensively the year before, we just figured they'd straighten it out.

Well, they didn't. They allowed 33 points (27 in regulation) in an OT loss to a Lycoming team that scored more than 17 just one other time all season. They gave up 28 (21 in regulation) to Cortland (The Dragons also scored on an INT and PAT return) and lost. It all culminated, as you know, with Union just obliterating them in the playoffs to the tune of 55 points and 660 yards. The Bombers went 8-3, despite averaging 38.4 PPG and 444 YPG, and just once scoring less than 30 points in regulation.

I'm not saying that's what's going to happen this year. But, Fisher barely moving the ball a week after getting 580 yards and 35 points against IC is pretty disconcerting as we head into the tougher part of the schedule.

100% agree there is no question Germinerio is insanely talented. Just meant that even with the best guys, you can only be as good as the team around you.

And ah, the 2005 Union-IC playoff game.  That's a fond memory. Though, in fairness, I seem to recall the Union defense getting almost as obliterated by Felicetti and Co., and only pulling away late thanks to Tom Arcidiacono basically levitating across the field.

I think you need a great man coverage defense with a good pass rush to stop Ithaca and Joe G.  The problem with that is you also need someone to cover Gladney.  SJF was able to get some decent pressure in the second half and that frustrated Joe G. For sure.

****in Tommy A.  I was at that 2005 game.  He would break open into the flat and Ithaca would literally have an unblocked linebacker there who would either miss completely on a tackle, or just make contact and then fall off.

[Bombers798891]

That playoff game was so odd.

IC had 500 yards of total offense, returned the opening kickoff 67 yards to set up a TD on the next play, and later returned another kickoff for a TD, and still managed to lose by two scores.

The game surprisingly turned on a defensive play, when Union forced an Alex Baez fumble after a 15-yard gain and the Bombers down 48-41.

[Bartman]

Can Mach come out and play? It will be boring to have no one to discuss the Statesmen-Engineers match-up  this week 

I'll jump in.

I'm super concerned about Hobart's offense. As I said elsewhere, good for them for cashing in on short fields vs. Brockport. Do what you need to do.

But Hoffman is completing less than 45% of his passes, which is unfathomable in 2019 unless you're a triple option team that treats throwing like other teams might treat a trick play. They have the fewest first downs in the conference, and the 2nd worst 3rd-down conversion percentage.

The flip side is, their defense is very strong. Opponents are just 5-for-18 on RZ TDs, and they have 10 picks in just five games. I think it will be close, but I'll take RPI in a 17-14 thriller

Hobart was the #1 LL scoring and yardage offense last year with 8 returning starters and Hofmann was the #1 QB, but Krewson played in every game. The three new starters are 2 on the Oline and  TE. My expectation was that we would score like last year and improve the defense , and improve the overall team. The defense has improved well beyond expectations and the offense has taken a step back, no doubt. I know Hofmann has had shoulder problems, but I do not know if that if current. Krewson has shown flashes of #1 QB skills, but neither QB had a great day against Union. Complicating that is the Oline has had trouble running the ball(returning RB Haeffner had a 6.1 YPR last year in LL games) , so the line play has not provided the support to the running backs except in a couple of games. I have not done a full analysis of RPI, but I know they had more holes to fill than Hobart . This should be a close defensive battle , and like you, I have already predicted a 17-14 score but with Hobart on top. The H offense needs to get out to a good start the way they did against Montclair on the first 2 drives(ended with 2 FGs) but getting into the end zone will be critical and then let the defense do their job against RPI. It is our last chance to right the ship before the IC game. Hopefully we will go into Butterworth  with a win because I think we have enough defensive talent to frustrate the Bomber O. The question will be if we can find our own offensive rythmn from last year for the next two critical games.

[UfanBill]

That playoff game was so odd.

IC had 500 yards of total offense, returned the opening kickoff 67 yards to set up a TD on the next play, and later returned another kickoff for a TD, and still managed to lose by two scores.

The game surprisingly turned on a defensive play, when Union forced an Alex Baez fumble after a 15-yard gain and the Bombers down 48-41.

I was also at that 2005 playoff game. The Union offense and RB Tom Arcidiacono were unstoppable that day. Most Union fans would say that team and again in 2006 with Arcidiacono, Qb Anthony Marotti and WRs Steve Angiletta and Ryan Twitchell was the best Dutchman offense ever but was it? Those Dutchmen certainly moved the chains but score? Not as much as you might think until that late flourish against RPI, a 49-42 Shoes game win, and the 55-41 win against Ithaca in round one of the playoffs. When faced with stronger defenses, wins wk#2 vs. Muhlenberg 22-14, wk#6 vs. Franklin and Marshall 14-10 and roumd 2 playoff foe Rowan, a 28-24 loss, the offense was not the decider.  In fact it was a defensive play that kept the perfect season intact wk.6 against Coast Guard when the Dutchmen scored on a pick 6 in the last seconds of the game with the Cadets driving to victory.
The point is to run the table a team has to have a full squad, offense, defense, special teams, plus a lot of luck. I hear about Ithaca's "O" with Joey G. and Hobart's "D" and RPI's balance (though somewhat mediocre) BUT Union? I believe this year's Dutchmen have all the pieces.                 

[UfanBill]

Visual proof of a young Bob Ridings firing the cannon while also beating on the bass drum. Bartman, this predates even me.

[AUPepBand]

Pep saw this cannon go off in a home movie made of a 1968 Alfred at Union football game. The Saxons had an off-year that season, finishing 2-5.
It's been a good long time since Pep attended a football game at Union....didn't they have a trumpeter play something after a touchdown, in addition to the cannon?

Speaking of cannons, Pep remembers when an injury-riddled Saxon squad traveled down to Selinsgrove, PA to face the undefeated Crusaders, then coached by Jim Garrett (father of Cowboy coach Jason Garrett). SU also shot off a cannon with each TD. Bartman would have been a wreck there....final score 68-0!

Here's the Alfred-Union game of 1968 with the cannon included about 45 seconds in!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5sPadq_T0M

On Saxon Warriors!

[UfanBill]

Pep saw this cannon go off in a home movie made of a 1968 Alfred at Union football game. The Saxons had an off-year that season, finishing 2-5.
It's been a good long time since Pep attended a football game at Union....didn't they have a trumpeter play something after a touchdown, in addition to the cannon?

Speaking of cannons, Pep remembers when an injury-riddled Saxon squad traveled down to Selinsgrove, PA to face the undefeated Crusaders, then coached by Jim Garrett (father of Cowboy coach Jason Garrett). SU also shot off a cannon with each TD. Bartman would have been a wreck there....final score 68-0!

Here's the Alfred-Union game of 1968 with the cannon included about 45 seconds in!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5sPadq_T0M

On Saxon Warriors!

Pep, a couple of things in reply. The trumpet player was Union professor Ted Bick who played a song entitled "It's Union's Game" after the cannon blasts. Professor Bick passed away a few years ago. He was honored with inclusion in the Union Hall of Fame along with Bob Ridings the cannonier
I really enjoyed your footage of the 1968 Union vs Alfred game. Incredibly as a freshman football player in 1968 I volunteered to work the chain gang for that very game !!!

[Bartman]

Visual proof of a young Bob Ridings firing the cannon while also beating on the bass drum. Bartman, this predates even me.

Bartman has expressed his respect for Bob Ridings, however the cannon only reminds Bartman of his family history where it has been passed down that old Dragoon Bartman was one of the 600 in the Light Brigade that charged the Russian cannons at the Battle of Balaclava.......the cannon at Bailey is just an ancestral reminder that our coaches battle plan needs to be better than Lord Cardigan's or else you will fall to the Bailey
cannon